AFM Appoints Alan Willaert as new AFM Vice President from Canada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2012

The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alan Willaert as AFM Vice President from Canada, effective immediately. Willaert has worked for the AFM for more than 20 years in close collaboration with five different Vice Presidents from Canada, making him a natural choice to assume the post. In his most recent position, Willaert was Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) Executive Director overseeing copyright compliance matters, lobbying efforts, and collective bargaining, and also serving as a liaison with CFM locals and members.

“Alan has provided outstanding service to the Federation for many years, as an International Representative, as a specialist in electronic media and neighboring rights, and more recently as Executive Director of our Canadian office in Toronto, which serves our members in Canada as the Canadian Federation of Musicians,” said AFM International President Ray Hair. “We congratulate Alan in assuming his new duties and we are excited at the prospect of working closely with him as we move forward together to tackle important issues facing professional musicians everywhere.”

“Since the position of Vice President from Canada was established, there have been five gentlemen with that title. It’s not a long list, but it is distinguished. I have nothing but the utmost respect for those who have preceded me, and will do my best to maintain the lofty standard they have set,” says Willaert.

Willaert replaces Bill Skolnik who stepped down March 9, 2012 to pursue another opportunity.